Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is enjoying a surprise rise in the polls to join Front National leader Marine Le Pen as a feasible anti-EU choice in the contest.

After weeks of polls predicting a showdown between Mrs Le Pen and Europhile socialist Emmanual Macron, Mr Melenchon has had a sudden surge in the polls after performing well in the television debates in the run up to the unpredictable election.

GETTY

Both Melenchon and Le Pen want France to leave the European Union

GETTY

Polls say Le Pen will make it into the second round of voting

Imagine a second round Melenchon v Le Pen! An existential crisis for France-and the EU

Journalist, Andrew Neil

The Communist-backed candidate wants to pull France out of the EU as well as the military alliance NATO.

If the more left-wing supporters from candidate Emmanuel Macron switch to Mr Melenchon, a Le Pen-Melenchon second round is increasingly likely.